This last statement of Peter's second letter echoes the exhortation of Proverbs to grow in knowledge. And in the verses leading up to it, Peter provides a new Christian reason to pursue knowledge of our Lord. He wants us to be prepared for Jesus' return!
Imagine it from Peter's point of view! He lost his friend, brother and Lord to Roman crucifixion. He saw him miraculously resurrected, spent time with him after he rose from the dead, and was even there when Jesus ascended to be with the Father. He heard Jesus promise to return. Perhaps, he and the others expected Jesus to return sooner rather than later; but as we know, all things happen in God's time, not ours. As Jesus points out, "It is not for [us] to know the times or seasons that the Father has established by his own authority."
And so Lord, I ask for your grace, I ask for the guidance of your Holy Spirit so that I might grow, as Jesus' friend Peter says, in the knowledge of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. Recalling how Peter himself grew from a humble fisherman, to a frightened Apostle, to the rock of Jesus' Church, to the wise advisor of us all, I ask for the wisdom to live a holy and devoted life.
Today, I will follow the lead of some who knew and first recognized Jesus for who he is, our Lord and savior. I will seek God's grace and an ever-deepening knowledge of his son.
Saints Joseph of Arimathea, patron of undertakers, and Nicodemus, pray for us.
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